Side-by-side comparison of Iconic Blend by Original Penguin and Explorer by Montblanc
Original Penguin
Montblanc
| Attribute | Iconic Blend | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Original Penguin | Montblanc |
| Year | 2017 | 2019 |
| Rating | 4.01 | 4.24 |
| Concentration | — | — |
| Gender | masculine | masculine |
| Total Notes | 9 | 9 |
13 opinions · Source: r/fragrance community
7.5
/10
Iconic Blend by Original Penguin is regarded as one of the best fragrances in the Original Penguin lineup by those who own it. While the community response is positive, there is minimal detailed discussion about its specific characteristics, performance, or ideal use cases in this particular thread.
79 opinions · Source: r/fragrance community
7.2
/10
The r/fragrance community views Montblanc Explorer as a solid, affordable alternative that shares the fresh citrus DNA of Aventus but is distinctly different, particularly in the drydown. While praised for value, consistency, and wearability, it's criticized for being overly linear and ambroxan-heavy compared to Aventus's complexity, making it a good standalone fragrance rather than a true clone.